QA Manager - Baraboo, WI

Our client is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager who has the potential to advance to the position of Quality Director. As the Quality Assurance Manager, you will lead our quality efforts and manage a team of six. This role is a strategic partner for our sales and operations departments, ensuring that quality is a crucial aspect of all business decisions. We offer excellent career growth opportunities and challenging work.

The Quality Assurance Manager will report directly to the Quality Director.

About the Company:

• A manufacturer of vehicle components and accessories
• Founded over 70 years ago
• Multiple manufacturing plants in the Midwest
• Headquartered in Wisconsin with over 500 employees
• Business casual and team-oriented environment

Benefits:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Free on-site clinic
• Prescription coverage
• Disability Insurance
• Flex spending, health reimbursement and wellness incentive programs
• Vacation, holidays and PTO
• 401k with company match
• Tuition Reimbursement

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive quality strategy aligned with the company's goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate quality into the overall business strategy.
• Oversee the quality assurance processes across all manufacturing sites, ensuring adherence to industry standards.
• Create and maintain quality assurance policies and procedures that exceed customer expectations.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce defects, and improve product quality.
• Travel to customer sites and manufacturing locations to address quality concerns and provide solutions (10% travel).
• Lead quality discussions with customers, proactively resolving issues before they become critical.
• Work with sales and operations teams to define and meet quality requirements in customer engagements.
• Provide guidance and support to manufacturing teams on best practices in quality management.
• Develop and manage key quality metrics, reporting regularly to the president and senior leadership.
• Analyze quality data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and opportunities for innovation.
• Track, analyze, and resolve all quality issues in a timely manner.
• Ensure full compliance with all necessary quality audits or certifications.

Requirements:

• Preferred bachelor's degree in quality management, engineering, business, or related field (an associate's degree with commitment to earning a bachelor's degree may be considered).
• At least 5 years of experience in a quality role within a manufacturing setting using high quality standards, with a minimum of 2 years in a leadership position.
• Demonstrated success in leading quality improvements in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in quality tools such as PFMEA, PPAP, and SPC.
• AIAG Supplier Certification required within the first year of employment.
• IATF16949 Lead Auditor Certification required or completed within the first year of employment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% to manufacturing sites and customer locations.